Bidding - 2 No Trump

2NT system

The system is played:

• After a weak two opening by the opponents (Range 15+ 18)
• After 2♣-2♦-2NT, also if opponents bids something in between (Range 20-21)
• After opening 2NT  (Range 22-24)

The 2NT opening can include a 5-card major, 6-card minor, or 5-4-2-2 distribution. Also 4-4-4-1 with singleton ace is possible.

2NT     3♣       Inquiry

                        3♦        at least a 4-card major

                                    3♥        4 spades. Possibly 4 hearts

                                    3♠        4 hearts, not 4 spades

                                    3NT     To play

                                    4♣       Asking in clubs

                                    4♦        Asking in diamonds

                        3♥        a 5-card major

                                    3♠        3+ hearts

                                    3NT     3+ spades

                                    4♣       Asking in clubs

                                    4♦        Asking in diamonds

                                    4♥        P/C

                                    4NT     Natural balanced invitational

                        3♠        a 5 (6) card minor

                                    3NT     To play.

                                    4♣       Asking in clubs

                                    4♦        Asking in diamonds

                                    4NT     Natural balanced invitational

                        3NT     No 4+ major or 5+ minor        

                                    4♣       Asking in clubs

                                    4♦        Asking in diamonds

                                    4NT     Natural balanced invitational

                                   

The cases where “Asking in clubs”, “Asking in diamonds” is listed, 2NT bidder shows his length in the suit, assuming perfect NT-distribution .The longer, the cheaper bid is the rule. This is best illustrated via some examples:

2NT                             3♣      

3♥ (5-Card major)                   4♣!      (Asking about clubs)

As notrumper has a 5-card major, he can only have 3 or 2 clubs. So 4♦ =3 clubs, 4♥ =2 clubs.

 

2NT                             3♣      

3NT                             4♦!       (Asking about diamonds)

Here 4♥ = 4diamonds,  4♠=3 diamonds, 4NT= 2diamonds.

 

2NT                             3♣      

3♠  (5+ card minor)      4♣!      (Asking about clubs)

Here 4♦ = 5 (6) clubs,  4♥=3 clubs, 4S= 2 clubs.

 

If the 2NT is not having perfect NT distribution, improvisation is needed. A singleton ace can for instance be bid as 2 cards.